Fall Foliage Leisurely Hike: Gertrude's Nose

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for hiking … FALL FOLIAGE! If leaf peeping is on your agenda this autumn, come join us as we take a hike to GERTRUDE'S NOSE at Minnewaska State Park Preserve to soak in the fall foliage 😍 Trails range from EASY TO MODERATE 😊

About Minnewaska State Park Preserve: Located in Ulster County, Minnewaska State Park Preserve is situated on the dramatic Shawangunk Mountain ridge, which rises more than 2,000 feet above sea level and is surrounded by rugged, rocky terrain. The park features numerous waterfalls, three crystalline sky lakes, dense hardwood forests, incising sheer cliffs and ledges opening to beautiful views, clear streams cut into valleys, 35 miles of carriage roads and 50 miles of footpaths on which to bike, walk, hike and simply enjoy. And, all this within an hour and a half drive from New York City.

GETTING THERE: ideally Minnewaska is best reached by car - 90 minute from NYC.

For those without cars we can still get there by taking the Trailways bus out of NY's Port Authority Bus Terminal that goes to New Paltz.

• The 7AM NYC bus arrives in New Paltz at 8:35am. One-way bus ticket is $25.00 (depends on how early you buy the ticket). Ticket can be purchased in advance at this link: https://trailways.com/
• Bus arrives at New Paltz at 8:35am. The bus terminal is located at 139 Main Street, New Paltz.
• Once New Paltz we’ll then Uber over to the park. Or if we have some kindhearted drivers willing to pick us up from bus terminal to the park that works too. It’s about a 20-min ride from bus station to Lake Minnewaska Visitors Center and of course we’ll chip in for the short carpool to the park
• Drivers: You can meet us at the Lake Minnewaska Visitor's Center Upper Parking Lot at around 9am. Please note there is a $10.00 parking fee.

AGENDA: Once we arrive at Minnewaska State Park, we'll hike the Gertrude's Nose trail.

• Overview: The hike to Gertrude’s Nose is hands down one of the best hikes in the region, with beautiful footpaths and dramatic views along gleaming white cliffs.
• Gertrude’s Nose? “An odd name for a unique place, the Nose is a great wedge-like mass of conglomerate left between Palmaghatt Ravine and the main cliff scarp south of Millbrook Mountain.” – Scenes and Walks in the Northern Shawangunk
• Hike Length: 7.0 miles
• Elevation gain: 1,500 feet
• TRAIL MAP:
  https://parks.ny.gov/documents/parks/MinnewaskaMinnewaskaStateParkPreserveTrailMap.pdf

HIKE INTENSITY: This will be an EASY BREEZY to Moderate intensity hike.

PACE: Hiking pace will be LEISURELY AND NO ONE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. We will have lunch, water and snack breaks as needed; as well as taking time to savor the sights and sounds of nature, take photos, hug some trees, and most importantly, socialize with your fellow hikers. NO FAST HIKERS!

THE IMPORTANT STUFF:

• Dress in non-cotton layers.
• Wear appropriate shoes suitable for hiking.
• Bring sunscreen, bug spray, head cover, and whatever else you need
• Bring at least 3 liters of liquid to stay hydrated.
• Bring lunch and snacks for yourself.

DURATION: This is an all-day hike.

APRES HIKE: there are many fine dining options in New Paltz. We'll find a place to sit and eat and drink and get social.

RETURN BUS: There is a 5PM and a 6PM bus back to NYC by 6:40PM and 7:40PM, respectively (depending on traffic).

WEATHER: This Meetup is rain or shine!

LIABILITY WAIVER: come prepared. Participate at your own risks. Hold no one liable etc. etc.